Heidi Henderson

Heidi Henderson, 64, passed away November 10, at home in Olympia, WA, following a five-year battle with breast cancer. Her strength and generous spirit will be remembered dearly by all who knew her. Born April 19, 1950, in San Francisco, CA, Heidi attended Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, University of California Santa Barbara (BA, 1972), and Washington University St. Louis (MSW, 1976). Heidi met her husband Tom at UCSB and they married September 10, 1972. The Henderson family grew with the arrivals of daughter Jodi in 1979, son Scott in 1985, and many exchange students over the years. Heidi’s career as a social worker began in Shelton with DSHS and she retired from the Thurston County Public Health Department in 2011. In addition, she served as a guardian ad litem for Thurston County Superior Court. Always putting others first, she volunteered with the Thurston County Food Bank, and Senior Services Meals on Wheels program. She especially loved working with kids, always finding time to volunteer in the classroom, PTA, Booster Club, and AFS Student Exchange Program. She was recognized by the Thurston Community Network for “Making a Difference in the Life of a Child” on April 17, 2012. She is survived by her husband, Tom; daughter, Jodi; and son, Scott. She was preceded in death by father, Frank; mother, Hele; and brother, Brooks. Heidi’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to friends, caregivers, doctors and the nursing staff in Oncology at Group Health and the doctors and nurses at St. Peter Hospital. Family suggests that memorial donations can be made to AFS, the Thurston County Food Bank, or Senior Services for South Sound. Please leave memories of Heidi or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.